By Keith Ingham

Everybody who has read my blogs of late will find it not a surprise that doubts are still in my mind about the merits of our first team 'coach' David Hockaday and his assistant Junior Lewis. The pre-season so far has given glimpses of the man that was surprisingly given the job by Massimo Cellino, or the 'President' as David calls him. Probably in private it's more like 'Sir' as we all know who's calling the shots in Leeds 11.

First, even myself was slightly pleased that everybody within the squad would be given a chance to prove themselves to the new regime and the 'feel good' factor was mentioned by the BBC's Leeds United commentator Adam Pope, Noel Hunt, Steve Morison and David Norris some of the players mentioned by fans in Italy as improving their chances of first team action with improved attitudes to training. We even beat a 'team' 16-0 during our stay in Italy and a Leeds 'Golds' beat Leeds 'Whites' 3-1, Morison among the goals in both games. The game played amongst the squad because the opposition failed to turn up at the fixture.

Most apart from somebody rumoured to be within the inner sanctums who kept letting little bits of 'gossip' find it's way on to Twitter seemed to be swaying into the Hockaday's way of thinking but two less than impressive friendly games against Guiseley and Mansfield Town, the later being a 2-0 defeat raised more than a few eyebrows. Yes, before it's said they are games that are meant to establish fitness first but anybody present must be concerned the lazy way Morison gifted them their first goal with a pass back from nearly the halfway line that Hearn seized on and was brought down by Silvestri to give a penalty away. It was nearly as bad for their second when Lees jumped under a ball to gift Hearn his second. It was a poor performance without doubt, even if it was a friendly.

The concerning thing for me was not just the performance and lack of effort put in by the players for just short of a thousand fans who paid good money to see them, it was the post match interview when Hockaday said it was Leeds who were the more positive team in the game and apart from 'individual' errors that cost us the goals, he was pleased with the side and they "we're on the right lines" as the season approached. From the reports I've read I'm not the only one that was concerned with his remarks to YEP journalist Phil Hay. I think even Mr Hay was surprised with them too.

It's a massive season in front of this once mighty club and some positive movement is a must as three seasons of mediocrity have tested even the most loyal of fans. It's a very expensive pleasure following Leeds United, indeed football in general and with people's pockets already stretched, another anonymous start to 2014/15 could show itself at the size of the club crowds.

This watcher from the North East corner of Elland Road, although excited as I always am coming up to August have grave reservations about the ability of Hockaday and Lewis to turn Leeds into anything close to resemble a team that can end more than a few poor seasons.

Wise comments indeed Mr.Ingham.Surely he must have some kind of inkling of his prefered starting line up.The dilema seems to be the continuing.influx of new players,Which confuses him.He has to.bite the bullet and.put out the.probables rather than the possibles as well.

It can't.be that difficult, pick the best players.Does El Presidentes breath breathing down his neck cloud his judgement somewhat.

i just cant see hockaday and his junior doing any good at leeds ,big mistake cellino.a couple of signings good ,but you do need a manager or even a good coach to run the team,which iets be honest hock and junior are not ,hope im wrong but i cant see it

Reply

Tim

23/7/2014 12:36:49 am

I don't disagree with your general comments but reserve judgement until we have at least played Chesterfield on Saturday with the favoured 11 starting the game.
Hockaday should have seen enough now to recommend those to go on the list for culling and we still need some pace on the wing and a proven goal poacher / scorer. I am sure they will arrive soon.
Meanwhile we have to keep the faith!! MOT

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Jimmy

23/7/2014 12:39:55 am

More than happy with the influx of new players, the clubs much improved financial situation and with the way MC is driving forward the changes at Elland Road.
This activity plus the low key pre-season training in italy has deflected my concerns over the choice of head coach.
I am prepared to give a short window of opportunity for the Chuckle Brothers (Hockaday/Lewis) to get things right but if the season kicks off without a class striker in the squad l don't see these two as the candidates to get the best out of the team.
lf, god forbid we spiral into a losing mind set when playing serious opposition in the Championship my expensive trips to Elland Road at the weekend will be under threat from my home team management or she who must etc!!!

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gazza

23/7/2014 03:20:47 am

well im not happy its practically the same defence as last year and unless it changes big time ie two fearsome quick centre halves and a goal poacher were fighting relegation all year, simple end of and some pace on the left wing wont go amiss

We all need to Keep the faith ,its a new season and optimism must rule.Hockington as certainly done his homework in the cliche school,boy he can talk,know what I mean.
Me,I just hope we dont descend in to dross and more importantly show some bottle.

It was widely reported and accepted in most quarters that the selection if the coach was Cellino's biggest decision since buying Leeds United. The jury hap as been out from day one! Let's hope that it works or Cellino is going to look s bit silly!

I have got really bad vibes about the Viviani saga,apparently talks have stalled.

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Keith

23/7/2014 03:10:09 am

Phil Hay Tweeted that the players entourage were not at all impressed with what they saw versus Mansfield

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gazza

23/7/2014 03:17:19 am

we desperateley repeat des need at least one quality centre half, very very urgent, lees and wooton are just not up to it end off been there had the t shirt let around 100 goals in, we need at least one quality fast grizzly centre half its the best championship for ten years , plus some pace on the left wing and an out and out poacher my giess troy deeney would be fine, is he just pocketing the mcormack brass - cos we need them in now not two weeks away cos as it stands viviani coming in or not without these were cannon fodder at the back no break away pace and no one to get a goal out of nothing , there gonna coat either he pays or were doomed cos these positions dont come cheap end off

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